Nepal on Thursday observed the 18th Republic Day with two opposing political groups organising demonstrations for and against the federal democratic republic system established on May 28, 2008.

The government has mobilised around 6000 security personnel, including hundreds of riot policemen, to prevent possible clashes between ruling CPN-UML and the pro-monarchist groups led by Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).

Various groups, consisting of people wearing ethnic attire and cultural tableaux, gathered for the Republic Day celebrations organised by the CPN-UML. On the other hand, pro-monarchists led by the RPP organised a rally carrying the banners of former King Gyanendra’s picture, demanding reinstatement of monarchy and the establishment of Nepal as a Hindu state.